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GASTAT: 80% of Saudi Arabia’s Population Visited Cultural Venue Mid 2022-2023

General Authority for Statistics
General Authority for Statistics
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GASTAT: 80% of Saudi Arabia’s Population Visited Cultural Venue Mid 2022-2023

General Authority for Statistics
General Authority for Statistics

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics released on Thursday a bulletin of culture and entertainment statistics from mid-2022 to mid-2023.

According to the results of the bulletin, 80% of the total population of the Kingdom (15 years and older) has visited one of the venues of cultural events or activities, while 90% of the total population of the Kingdom has visited one of the venues of the events or entertainment activities.

The bulletin's results showed that 13% of individuals attended national celebrations, while 11% visited cinemas.

The proportion of Saudi individuals who visited a Saudi entertainment season was 39%, while the proportion of non-Saudi individuals who visited a Saudi entertainment season stood at 36%.

The bulletin's findings showed that 20% of individuals did not visit cultural events and activities, 40% of whom could not visit due to the lack of time.

The bulletin showed that 23% of individuals were engaged in walking activities, and 19% spent their leisure time practicing football.

The percentage of individuals who read at least one book in the previous 12 months was 37%, while 21% read newspapers and 7% read magazines.

The results of the cultural and entertainment statistics bulletin highlight data on the visited places and cultural and entertainment activities practices by individuals (15 years and over) based on the results of the survey of culture and family entertainment carried out by the General Authority for Statistics in 2023, by collecting data via phone calls.

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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
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Heavy Rains Damage Historic Buildings, Forts in Yemen

Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)
Unprecedented rains have hit parts of Yemen this season. (EPA)

Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in cities and villages controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen.

Historic forts and ancient buildings have been affected, with homes collapsing in Sanaa, its outskirts, and in the governorates of Raymah, Amran, Al-Bayda, and Hodeidah.

Flooding has particularly impacted the Bustan al-Sultan and Harqan neighborhoods in the UNESCO-listed city of Sanaa.

Sources have accused the Iran-backed Houthis of neglecting the disaster and ignoring residents’ calls for help, while they instead focused on their annual sectarian celebrations.

The Houthi-controlled “Historical Cities Preservation Authority” issued urgent warnings about historic buildings at risk of collapse in the old city in Sanaa and elsewhere. They reported that an ancient palace in an old neighborhood is near collapse.

In rural Sanaa, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic Haraz fort has partially collapsed due to the rains. The fort is one of Yemen’s oldest.

The Raymah governorate has also suffered, with recent floods causing around eight deaths and destroying over 400 homes, including ancient buildings. Parts of the historic Zalamlam Mountain Castle have collapsed from the rain.

The Yemen Meteorological and Early Warning Center predicted that heavy thunderstorms, including hail and strong winds, will continue for the next 72 hours.

This weather is expected to impact highlands, slopes, and western coastal areas from Saada in the north to Taiz, Al-Daleh, and Lahj in the south.

The weather forecast predicted continued rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong winds, over parts of Al-Mahra, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Marib, and Al-Jawf.

The center also expected strong winds to stir up dust and sand in the Socotra Archipelago, southern coasts, and areas affected by thunderstorms.

It advised people to stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and muddy roads. It warned to avoid electrical poles, billboards, and trees, and to turn off mobile phones during storms.